The highlight of this past weekend's gigs was my performance with the trio at The Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery in City Island NY. The venue was filling up when I arrived at 4 PM in time to set up and sound check. A fan came up to me and said he saw Larry Coryell (who I played with years ago when I was with Herbie Mann's band). He mentioned me to him and Larry told him that he thought I was one of the "most under-rated guitarists on the New York music scene"! Well, I had this amazing feeling of peace, accomplishment and joy and excitement wash over me. I could have gone home then and felt like I did a great job without even playing. Larry, as you know, is one of the best guitarists we have on the planet today and he continues to inspire us all with his videos, CDs and shows. I am truly humbled by his words about me.
As if that wasn't enough fulfillment for a day (or week for that matter) we had a pretty full house to play to.....many fans who have seen our show before but also many folks who came to hear the band for the first time were there. And I have to thank everyone who came to see us play because the audience and their positive (and sometimes very loud and cheering) response to my music, much of which was brand new played for the first time made the performance much better than it would have been with out them. My heart felt gratitude goes out to each audience member there on Sunday afternoon, March 29th.
I also have to thank the two fine musicians who played with me and brought the music to life in such a beautiful and tasteful way that we touched the listeners and inspired their wonderful response. Bob Gingery played the bass. Bob has been with me for a few years now and has grown into one of the best bassists around giving a solid groove and excellent solos to the show. Our drummer, Sipho Kunene, just recently joined the group and brings us his expertise in playing just the right feel and intensity to each musical piece. Sipho is from South Africa and has a very special sound and groove that just fits so well with our music. I am so grateful to have these guys with me on stage.
A special thank you and appreciation goes out the the owner and staff at the Starving Artist. Elliott Glick is a friend/promoter of music and a gift of giving to so many people and to City Island in general. Elliott is also a musician in his own right and we appreciate all he and his wife Monica do to feature music and art and love through their work and kindness at the Starving Artist Cafe. Thanks Uncle Bill!
And thank you for reading this post! Please check out our next blog which will feature news about my upcoming CDs one of which is entitled "Acoustic Meditations".
All the best to you,
Lou Volpe Jazz Guitar
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